Independent Thinking

If you ask any family why they send their child to an independent school, they’ll most likely tell you its the teaching and academic standards or the outstanding facilities and opportunities, in and out of the classroom that drew them in. Maybe its the personal attention, pastoral care and chances of getting a top-notch university place that won them over. Or the community feeling of the smaller classes and overall school size that was massively appealing too. For many its all the above!


Independent Schools vary significantly from their mission, philosophies and size; they include single-gender, schools, boarding and day schools, can be religious or secular and are based in almost any location. They are also consistently some of the best performers in the UK. At A level, for example, 50 per cent of pupils gain at least one A* or A grade, compared to around 26 per cent nationally.

Teachers usually have at least one degree and often a doctorate! So you can bet most are undoubtedly passionate in their teaching subjects.

Excellent schools, whether independent or state always want motivated and engaged kids – whether they are sports field winners, academic trailblazers or masters of art, music or drama. Every child has a talent to share, and most independent schools believe it or not are keen to help with fees through bursaries and scholarships, and while applying for these can be a rigorous process, many pupils can and do receive financial assistance.

“Sydenham High is an incredible school where wonderful things happen. We get to know every girl as an individual and we are very proud of their independence of mind and spirit that allows them to think for themselves, to be themselves and have the courage to take risks. We absolutely believe that nothing should hold a girl back. We look forward to welcoming you soon.” – Mrs Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress

So if you are thinking independently for your child’s next school, first school or even a mid-year move. Take a look below at our local Independent options and their up and coming open days!

open morningsSydenham High School  – Our motto, ‘fear nothing’, underpins all that we do. Sydenham High is selective and diverse, welcoming girls with wide-ranging talents and backgrounds into a close community, large enough to offer choice and flexibility but compact enough to ensure that no girl is overlooked. Academic and pastoral excellence go hand in hand. Our girls are ambitious, open-minded and possess an inner strength and self-belief to outstrip expectations. They are well-rounded, happy and down to earth and our school is bursting with warmth, creativity, talent and excellence. Open Day: Whole School Open Day is on Saturday 15 September, 9am-1pm (15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL) We offer taster days and open mornings for 4+, 7+, 10+ and Senior School throughout the year. Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 2 October, 6.30-8.30pm. Please book online to reserve your place.

open morningsEltham College Eltham College is a leading independent day school in Mottingham south east London that accepts students from age 7 until 18. From September 2020 the College will begin to transition to full co-education when it accepts its first cohort of both girls and boys into Year 3 and Year 7, as well as their already co-educational Sixth Form. No child is ever lost in the crowd at Eltham College: we give each student individual attention, building on their strengths and encouraging them to do well in everything they try. We are the perfect size to do this: small enough to know every child well, and large enough to offer an exceptional range of academic and co-curricular activities. Whole School Open Morning Saturday 29 September 2018 10 am – 12.30pm,  Sixth Form Open Evening Tuesday 9 October 2018 from 6.45pm and  Junior School Open Morning Saturday, November 2018 10.00am – 12.30pm

open morningsKings Rochester – Founded in 604AD, King’s Rochester is the second oldest school in the UK and the oldest Cathedral Choir School. We have evolved into an outstanding 21st-century school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. Record GCSE and A Level results were achieved in 2017 enabling pupils to secure places at top universities. Located just 30 minutes from Central London, the School has excellent facilities including a Sports Centre, swimming pool, playing fields and boathouse, drama studio with digital sound and lighting and the use of Rochester Cathedral for concerts and as our Chapel. King’s Rochester is truly a community which enables individuals to flourish. Whole School Open Day Saturday 29th September 2018 – 9.15am – 12 noon and Saturday 11th May 2019 – 9.15am – 12 noon 11+ Only Open Morning, Monday 11th March 2019 – 9.30am – 11.30am

Blackheath High School for Girls – Situated on the edge of Blackheath and Greenwich Park, Blackheath High School inspires girls age 3-18 to aim high, think big and love learning. Teachers are passionate subject experts who make the most of small classes to engage students in a vibrant, aspirational atmosphere. Constantly broadening horizons, Blackheath High School’s enrichment programme offers over 80 co-curricular clubs, from Tech Future Girls, Mindfulness & Yoga, to rowing at the Royal Albert Dock. An £18 million investment in new school buildings and facilities is due for completion this year and will ensure an optimum environment for students to develop and reach their full potential. Academic, Music, Art and Sports scholarships available. Come along and see for yourself at our Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form open events, Sixth Form Information Evening – 3 October 2018, Whole School Open Morning – 6 October 2018 and Whole School in Action Open Mornings – 7 and 15 November 2018.

Cobham Hall is the only independent Round Square Boarding and Day School for girls in the United Kingdom. By offering a caring environment and an inclusive spirit, by encouraging girls to challenge themselves, and by their taking part in everything Cobham Hall has to offer, students discover more about themselves. We believe it is the combination of five key reasons – focus on the individual, challenge and opportunities, pastoral care and wellbeing, diversity, and our inspirational setting – that result in each girl excelling academically and achieving more than they themselves believed possible, leaving fully prepared for the path they have chosen. Open Mornings Saturday 6th October 2018 with Taster Days Lower and Middle School Taster Afternoon and Sleepover Friday 5th October/Saturday 6th October 2018 (for 2019 entry)

open morningsColfe’s School- Looking at our modern buildings, it’s hard to believe Colfe’s is one of the oldest schools in London. Originally established by John Glyn in 1574, the school was re-founded in 1652 by the Reverend Abraham Colfe, Vicar of Lewisham. Colfe’s became independent in 1977, ensuring the continuance of its tradition of excellence. Girls have been admitted to the Sixth Form for 30 years, and the school has been fully co-educational since 1999. Whole School Open morning Saturday 22 September 2018, 9 am – 12noon Junior School – Book now, Senior School – Book now

open morningsSt Dunstan’s College St Dunstan’s College is a school community that is grounded in the vibrancy of its South London setting. We celebrate the opportunities afforded to us by being located in such a diverse environment, allowing for all manner of views, opinions and styles – what better foundation for an exceptional education. Admission to the College is competitive at all levels and depends on academic ability, the demonstration of potential and learning behaviours. Further details can be found here. Open Mornings throughout the year.

open morningsGreenwich Steiner School –  Our Mission is to provide a holistic and nurturing education that inspires children to develop a love of learning, the courage to question, the ability to express their individuality and to make a positive contribution to the world around them. To create a joyful learning experience for children of all cultural, racial, social and religious backgrounds.  To strive to provide an education imbued with a fundamental respect for the individuality of each human being.  Our Saturday Open Mornings for the next academic year (2018/19) are to be confirmed however you can still add your details here.

open morningsBlackheath Preparatory School  – is an independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11. It is a quite remarkable school with outstanding facilities, a formidable track record in academic success and dazzling achievements in Music, Sport, Drama and Art. As a parent commented, ‘It is an environment in which pupils thrive in a whirlwind of opportunity and excellence’. Open Mornings are held regularly in term time throughout the academic year and last approximately two hours.

open morningsBreaside Preparatory School. Located in Bromley,  Breaside Prep School provides a rich learning environment for your son or daughter. Our curriculum will prepare your children for the senior schools of choice through a balanced and broadly based education, from their first days in the Kindergarten through to the age of 11. Open Mornings and tours run all year.

open morningsSt Olaves Preparatory School. St Olave’s is a co-educational school for children aged from 3 to 11 years old.  We offer pupils a broad, rounded education in a happy and caring environment, where their pastoral needs, happiness and well-being are of paramount importance.  The positive, family atmosphere is well-established and one of the school’s notable strengths. It is a testament to the mutual respect shared between children and teachers and the close partnership we develop between home and school. Open Mornings held twice a year with details on our admissions page.

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